2 replies to this topic

[BigWayne]

Since I have two boats, and only a two car garage, I'm forced to keep my 180SE dry docked at my local marina. It was the only way I could work out a deal with the wife to keep both boats.

The marina uses a mega sized "industrial" fork lift to splash/pull boats in and out if the water. Unfortunately, they don't have the ability to transfer the boat directly from drybdock to a trailer. This results in anyone who whishes to trailer thier boat to first have it placed in the water, and then maneuvered to the nearest ramp approximately 0.5 miles away.

Additionally, my marina isn't capable of winterizing my boat (not sure why). Meaning I have to trailer it and do it myself.

So here's the good part. Obvously, after winterizing my boat, I was unable to start it on the water, leaving me with only one option...paddle it.

I was initially upset on having to paddle my boat nearly a half mile back to the dry storage location. However, my marina did offer to have it towed, but I still chose to paddle it anyway. Once I got it going, the boat wasn't that difficult to keep on course, and didn't take too long to get there.

With all of that being said, I'm investing in a trolling motor with a quick connect to my second battery.

Has anyone else had to paddle their boat over some distance. If so, how far?

[moochy]

I've paddled mine once last NYE after we were towed back to a super busy ramp at 1am. Best thing you can do is get a tow valve installed. Takes all the stress out of being towed or even paddling and suffering water ingress into the motor.

[BigWayne]

Good suggestion. I'll have to look into adding a tow valve.